MLB collective bargaining agreement fight is still going and more than likely delaying spring training. In the last two weeks, there have been several meetings between MLB and MLBPA with little progress as both sides are still far apart on major issues.
Baseball is two months into the lockout things still look like they did when it started. The Collective Bargaining issues are affecting everything possibly putting the season at risk. It will be interesting to see what’s next. Here are some updates on the CBA, spring training, and other things.
Collective Bargaining Agreement
The Collective Bargaining Agreement is still being negotiated and it does not look like it will be resolved anytime soon. Two major issues that they remain stuck on are Super two which includes pool money and competitive balance threshold. They have met a couple of times in the last two weeks but with little progress.
Pool money is money to be distributed to players not eligible for salary arbitration. Players with fewer than three years of MLB service time are in this category. They are struggling to agree on how much pool money should be included and the number of years of service time.
MLBPA reportedly offered to reduce the pool money from $105 to $100 million which is far off from what the owners want. This could be why they are fighting so much they are not on the same page it seems. Though they are open to the idea of draft picks as rewards for teams keeping big prospects on the roster. There are many other issues that need to be worked on and hopefully soon. As they will probably meet up again soon.
Spring Training and Other Updates
Spring training and the regular season are fast approaching. At this point it is highly likely there will be a delay which can affect the whole schedule going forward. It is not a good look for a sport that is already struggling with viewership. This is the time of year when the fans and players are in the excitement of a new season but it feels different in 2022.
Whatever the future for baseball looks like the clock is ticking as spring training is scheduled for February 16th. While spring training games are on the docket for February 26th these probably won’t happen. This could push back the regular season as the league has said they would cancel games if they had to. It’s a shame because it feels like it’s been a long time since we have seen baseball games.
It’s not like MLB and MLBPA can reach a deal and then everyone reports to spring training the next day. Even if they ignored free agency and trades which won’t happen. Teams will still need to wrap offseason business such as arbitration and international affairs.
The longer the lockout goes the more it will compromise the 2022 season. A deal will eventually come but there will be delays. So, stay tuned for more updates on the CBA, spring training, and regular season.
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